Setting Up

SETTING UP AN AQUARIUM BACKGROUND

Before setting up an aquarium background there are few things you should take into consideration. An Aquadecor 3D background is made of light material which does not put pressure on the back wall of an aquarium. However, due to this fact, the background itself is under high pressure in water so that it has to be firmly attached to the back wall of the aquarium by using silicone for aquariums. When you buy silicone for aquariums, please, make sure that you check its expiration date.
Remove the ending for precise application from the silicone tube so that you can apply a thicker layer of silicone over the marked spots on the back of an Aquadecor 3D background. A thick layer of silicone is applied over the fields marked with the letter S. Lay the aquarium on its back wall. Lay the background with the silicone onto the inner back glass of the aquarium and press it firmly with your hand. An attached background has to remain untouched for 24 hours! Every Aquadecor background is delivered with a manual and some even with a scheme showing how to fit the elements together. Each element that you get in a package matches a particular element on the scheme regarding a number and shape so that it won’t be a problem for you to arrange the elements correctly and get the final shape.
In order for your aquarium to represent a piece of nature in your home, which is its main purpose, Aquadecor has completed its offer with the backgrounds for hiding the equipment and filters that are not visually attractive. Filters, suction pipes, heaters, thermometer and everything else that harms the natural look of your aquarium can be hidden in the existing chambers. The chambers can be found on the sides of the background, in the middle of it or wherever they are needed.

Please take a look at these diagrams. They show different types of backgrounds, viewed from above. After completing the order through our online store, you will be asked to choose one of these examples, regarding of the type of a background you would like to have, which sides of the aquarium you want to cover and what kind of filtration you use. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us anytime through this page.

EXAMPLE 1

This is a classic background which covers only the back glass of the aquarium and has one chamber for suction pipe and heater (the chamber can be made either in the left or in the right corner). The heater and suction pipe should be placed next to each other, to avoid difference in temperature in the chamber and the rest of the aquarium. Water enters the chamber through a space between the glass and the background (this entrance goes all the way from top to the bottom and is covered with a plastic transparent net which stops smaller fish to enter the chamber). Standard dimensions of chambers are 8×8 cm or 10x10cm. Freshwater outtake is to be placed over the background.

EXAMPLE 2

A standard background covering the back wall, with a chamber where suction pipe and heater can be placed. The chamber can be made according to the postion of your filter. The heater and suction pipe should be placed together in the chamber, to avoid difference in temperature between the chamber and the rest of the aquarium. Water enters the chamber through naturally looking cracks on the background. Standard dimensions of chambers are 8×8 cm or 10x10cm. Freshwater outtake is to be placed over the background.

EXAMPLE 3

This background covers the back wall, and one of the sides (left or right). The chamber for suction pipe and heater is located in the corner. The heater and suction pipe should be placed together in the chamber, to avoid difference in temperature between the chamber and the rest of the aquarium. Water enters the chamber through naturally looking cracks on the background. This background design is perfect for aquariums placed next to a wall.

EXAMPLE 4

This type of background covers the back glass and both sides, leaving the inside of the aquarium viewable only through the front glass. Equipment (heater and suction pipes) are hidden in 2 chambers, one in each corner. Heater and suction pipe should be placed together in a chamber, to avoid difference in temperature between the chamber and the rest of the aquarium. Water enters the chambers through naturally looking cracks on the background. Outlets with fresh water are placed over the background. This design is perfect for aquariums mounted in a wall.

EXAMPLE 5

This example shows an F model placed in the middle of an aquarium. Filters or chambers (for suction pipe and heater) are on one or both sides. The background can be used as a filter cover. Water enters those filters (or chambers) through naturally looking cracks on the background. This design is perfect for aquariums placed between two rooms.

EXAMPLE 6

This example shows a different setup with an F model. The back glass is covered with a black or navy blue foil, and the background only partially covers the glass, in order to maximize the effect of depth. One or two chambers are usually placed in corners, and water enters throug a space between the gl ass and the background. This space is covered with transparent new to stop small fishh from entering the chamber.

EXAMPLE 7

This design is very similar to the previos one (example 6), with the background covering not only the back glass, but one or both sides as well. Those sides are also covered with black or navy blue foil. Chambers are placed in corners, and water enters through naturally looking cracks on the background. This design accentuates the effect of depth and is perfect for aquariums mounted in a wall.

EXAMPLE 8

With this background you can cover your internal filter, regardless of its location in the aquarium. Depending on the filter’s type, we create cracks and entrances for the water. If you have an overflow filter system, we will make the background lower in this area, to allow the water to flow into it from the top.

EXAMPLE 9

This is a classic background covering the back glass of the aquarium, with one chamber for equipment (heater and suction pipe). This setup is perfect for you if you have a stream pump and want to cover it as well. This can be done by placing a rock in front of it. The pump remains accessible and can be removed whenever you decide to. You can also change its location, or the direction of the water flow.

EXAMPLE 10

This is a slim background, which comes in one piece and is flexible. It isn’t glued to the glass, and there is an empty space behind it, which can be filled with biologilal type of filtration (bio-balls, bio-sponge, plastic fibre, siporax, etc…). One or more holes are drilled (this can be done by yourself, or we can do it for you), where you choose to have them. These holes allow the water to flow behind the background. Power head should be put in one of the corners to induce stronger water flow. In this case, the background should be glued on the sides, so that the only water entrance is where you made it. If you decide not do drill holes (or have them driled by us), the background should not be glued anywhere, and the water entrance will be on the sides.